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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 



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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 






A THRILLING WAR DRAMA 






Entitled 



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llHE^HEROeQFeLEXlNGTUN [| fil ^ 



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By R. B. HOWELL, 

Late of Co, A., 3rd Michigan, V. I. 
Based on Real Incidents of the 
Wcir of 'the llehellimi. 



tnrtnto rccoRDiN'-, to act or congse-SS !n is33. in the orricr o 



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PUBLISHED BY ROBT. L. ANDERSON, Sal!NEVIllf, Ohio. 



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To the Memory of Capt. John L. Herrington, 
the Real Hero of Lexington, Mo., is this Drama 
Affectionately Inscribed by the Author. 



TMP92-009161 




"The Hern nf Lexingtan." 



ACT FIRST.- 



Scene 1st — Parlor — Mr. and Mrs. Wadsworth, their .son 
Charles and daughters, Emma and Celia, seated. 

Mr. W. (reading paper) The war seems inevitable, al- 
ready the people of the South have declared that they will ser>- 
arate themselves from the North and form a Contedarate Na- 
tion of their own, and to this end state after state has fallen in 
Ime and passed the Ordinance of Secession. (Lays down paper) 

Charles: Father, will there be a call for men to defend- 
the Union? 

Mr. W. : Yes, my son, if war comes as it now seems it 
must. Men will be called upon to aefend the Country and her 
Flag. 

Charles: Then Father, in that event 1 shall respond. 
and like my noble ancestors stand by the Old Flag of our coimtry 

Mr. W, : My noble boy while I should deeply lament 
my loss, should you fall in the service of our country, yet I will 
not try to dampen your loyalty to one of the best governmeets 
under the sun. 

Mrs. W. : I pray God, that this sacrifice of Sons and 
Husbands may not become necessary, but if it is His will then 



— 2 — 

the love of the country should be paramount to all, except our 
love to God the Father. (Charles someone is at the door) 
(Charles opens the door and as Carl enters Charles reth*es) 

Curl : Coot efening frents I shoost come in to spraken 
aboud des var vat you dinks eh? 

Ml- W. : I think Carl from the present indications that 
we shnll have tiouble with the South. 

Cnrl : Yas I dink so neider, und ven dem repel fellers 
vooin oud uiid say dey vill no longer haf our Bresident to rule 
ofer dem, or onr lechislatur to make der laws, den I tink dere 
vill be plenty droubles. und ven der Bresident say coom poys I 
dinks I cooiiis oud und help make dem repel fellers coom pack 
und stay by der olt Flag, und pehave derselves. 

Charle'< : (enters excitedly) Father I have just heard 
that the President has issued a proclamation calling for 75.000 
men to put don n an armed Rebellion. (Exit Charles.) (Pat 
heard out-side) Whoa. 

Car] ; Yeely Moses, den 1 goes at vonce und makes mine- 
self a .soldier, coot night friends. (Exit Carl — enter I'at at same 
time, running against each other.) 

Fat: Begoi-ra and phat ails the Dutchman that he goes 
out like amad siheer.^ Ssure and he came near knocking me 
i'Oipc do\v!i n^e troat, and if iver he does the loikes of it again 
i'll taclieb "iui a lesson or two. 

Mr W. Vi\t you must excuse Carl, he had just heard 
that the I'lesident had issued a call for 75.000 men to put down 
an aniied rebellion an>l he was hurrying away to enlist. 

Fat : Begon-a Carl, ye can knock me pipe down me troat 
aixl me teeth along Vvid it, if that is what ye v.^ere going for, 
;ind I say. Mr. Wadsworth, if ye could nianage to drive the 
tfaui yersel" 1 belave 1 would go along wid Carl and bad cess 
lo Ihellcbel phat eoor.is betwixt a Dutchuian and an Irishman. 

Mr. Av ; Far. it it is your desire to go and serve your 
eonntry. w;- will sp;ue you, and during your absence yourfam- 
ily shall receive every hionth one-half as much as I have been 
paying yois. 

Fat: Thank:-. Mr , Wadswoilh, may the llowly Saints 
presarve ye. Fll go. but eould ye give Biddy a place as sarvint 
wid yees wliile I am gone? 

Mr. W: Y<'.o. Fat. slie shall remain in our employ. 

Pat: Thanks, Mr. Wadsworth, then here I go like the 
Dii!chman. 

Mr. W: 'i'hese \r.t\\ .vill mai^e good soldiers. (Close 



cue) (Mr. W. come on front of stage with hat and cane walk 
slovvlv j'.cio.-s slaoe)[Mr. W.) llecruiting has already beo;ua, 
:ind 1 have no doubt, when next I see Charles that he will be a 
soldier in the United States army, My only regret is that my 
;ige and iniirmity prevents me from offering my services to my 
country. (passes off stage) (As Mr. VV. passes off stage open on 
iird tbil.) (Scene 2nd.)(liecrii!ting ottice, seated at table Oa))t. 
.Jiidd and J^ieut Smit.'i(Enter Charles, Fat and Carl. 

Charles : Is this Capt Judds recruiting oHice? 

Lieut Smith: It is 

Capt Judd: Gentlemen have you come to en-list in an- 
swer to the call oi the President for volunteers? 

Charles: I have. 

Carl: Sol too. 

Fat : Thems me sentiments yer honor. 

Capt Judd : Gentlemen have you considered well the 
-tep you are about to take? That yon may be called upon to 
endure hard-ships, fatigue and perhaps death, or what is still 
worse become disabled for life? 

Charles : 1 know there is many vicissitudes of war, but 
in offering my services 1 do so expecting to accept as a patriot 
what the fates of war may bring, ever bearing in mind thai he 
who is afraid to offer his life in defence of his counti-y is un- 
worthy to be called a citizen . 

Fat : Thims me sintiments. 

Carl: Sol too. 

Lieut Smith: Noble sentiments it is just such men we 
want 

Capt Judd : You can sign the roll and 1 will assign you 
to Co A. iny own company. (Carl signs first and steps into wing 
put on belt <fec get gun ready to step in front of stage as scene 
closes) (the others sign and start to leave as Biddy appears. 

Biddy : Ha Pat(Fat turns facing Biddy) sorry 1 ever saw 
this day, what will become of me and the children if ye go 
away to the war and get kilt_entirely, sure Pat and ye would 
not leave me and the children widout a bite or a sup or even a 
parata to keep the wolf away from the dcor? 

l*at : Whist Biat^y me darlin, was it not mesilf as heard 
Mr. Wadswoith say that you should have every- thing what 
your heart desired, that he would give ye one half of me pri- 
sent wages and give ye a place as sarvint besidts, so be aisy 
Biddy an its meself will be back again. 

Biddy : Pat if all what you have tonld me is thrue 



^ —4— 

ihin I'm contint, o-ood by Pat(scene closes,Carl comes on with 
oiin' front of sta^-e.) 

CnrJ : Hoora, foi der star spangled banner der place 
what is respect py efery pody only repels. Up mit der flac 
ur.t op mit der Kepels too mit a" rope, (open on scene 3rd in full 
stage.) 

Scene 3rd— Drill— Lieut S New rccruitcs fall in for 
drill (new recruits come on. Fat and Carl failing as they 
come on.) 

Lieut S : What are you two doino-? 

i'at : Falling in for drill yer honor 

Lieut S: (let up and stand along side of this man 
(pointing to Charles who is standing on stage. (pat and Carl 
take their places.) 

Lieut fc3— Shoulder arms (the squad put guns on their 
shoulders as a.vkward as possible) (Lieut takes one of the guns 
and illustrates.) 

Lieut S: Shoulder arms; (The squad performs the 
movement correctly . ) That is right ; Now present arms. (Each 
recruit carries his gun and offers it to the otticer) (Lient then 
takes gun again and instructs them) (Steps to wmg and calis] 
Company fall in. [The balance of company with Captian comes 
on stage) 

Lieut S : Now recruits watch the movements of these 
men and do like them. [Drills a short time in manual, and tb^ri 
salutes Captian and says the company is prepared for dri.i, 
takes his place and Captian takes command fancy drill, (scene 
closes] [Chas comes in on one side of the stage, Alice from the 
other. 

Charles: Good evening Alice I was just on my way 
to call on you. 

Alice : Oh Charles this seems cruel, to see you and so 
many other young men leaving home to brave the dangers of 
of camp and field, and while my heart would cry out at the 
thought of losing you, my pride of countiy shall bid you God 
speea. Yes my iov* of country shall not be excelled by my love 
for you; and may God restore you again to me when this now 
threatened disolution of "Our iJountry" shall have been re- 
stored. 

Charles : My dearest Alice you are a noble girl, and 
your patriotism shall inspire me to deeds of honor, and if I am 
permitted to return to you Alice it shall be with a record as a 
soldier that you shall be proud of. 



—5— 

Alice : I know that you will Charles and I shall daily 
pray that success may rest upon our army and victory perch 
upon her banners. 

(Charles : I know you will Alice and thank you for the 
assuranoe, but I must now leave you Alice and go andreceive 
the congratulations of my parents and sisters, Bye Bye. 
(wave hand and retire) (Alice still holds stage) places rigth hand 
over heart.) 

Alice : 0h my heart : It seems as though it must break 
if Charles should never return to me, but * 'Our Country" calls 
and I will not let my feelings cause him to go in sadness (passes 
off stage on oppisite side from where she entered) (open on home 
scene Father, Mother and two sisters.) 

Scene 4th— Enter Charles in uniform) (all rise.) 

Chailes: I s«e I have taken you all by surprise; I am 
now a Soldier in the United States Army. 

Celia: Oh Charlie! must you go to the war? 

Mrs W. : Charles have you considered the step you 
have taken? of the hardships you may be called on to endure? 

Charles : Yes, Mother, I realize that a soldier's life will 
not be all sunshine, or his pathway strewn with flowers. 

Mr. W. : My noble boy, I am delighted to see you in 
this uniform, and to know that love of country is the cause ; let 
your conduct as a soldier ever be such as to sho>v that your love 
of couHtry is paramount to all, except to Him who giveth gov- 
ernments and holdeth all nations in His hand. 

Celia : Charles when do you have to leave us? 

Charles: The day after to-morrow we leave for the 
seat of War, Sumpter has fallen and the loyal men of the North 
must teach those Traitors that their flush of victory now means 
only defeat in the end. 

Emma : (Laying her head on Charles shoulder with 
Handkerchief to eyes.) Oh Charles it is too bad that you have 
to leave us so soon. 

Charles : Sister do not feel that way, think of our dear 
old Flag being taken down and trailed through the streets of 
Charleston, through dust and filth and then say— shall I doff 
this uniform or not? 

Emma : Go Charles you shall not hear your foolish 
sister say aught again if such terrible deeds are being enacted. 

Charles : Not foolish, Sister mine, but spoken like the 
little patriot you are, but I must now extend to all of you an in- 
vitation to visit me at the Barracks to-morrow, and you girls 



—6— ^ 

come prepiired to give us a song as all the Company will be 
present. 

Ml. W. :We will come Charles, and will call for Alice 
on the way. Have you seen her since you enlisted? 

. Charles: Yes Father, 1 have and she like you is will- 
ing to lay all on the altar of her country, 

Mr.W'.: Noble e:irl, durmg your absence Charles, she 
.-hnll find in \is true friends. 

Charles: Thank you Father; good night, I will now 
iry the realities of Soldier life by sleeping at the Barracks to- 
night. (all respond good night, Exit Charles) (scene closes. Pat 
eomes on in front to hold stage.) 

Fat : Faith an it takes a mon to be lively, to keep his 
gun mo%in in every direction, the Capt tould us, an only fur me 
fight boots 1 vvould*nt had a blessed toe left on me foot; sure 
an I can't see how Shoulder arrums and Order arrums an all 
thirn other orders are going to kill Rebels, but never mind Pat 
will show thim some of his tactics when we get to the front, 
(Exit I*at)(as Pat goes off open full stage, Soldiers in Barracks 
smoking and talking, enter visiting party, Soldiers all in full line) 

Scene iird — Enter Mr. W., wife and daughter, Alice in 
the wings. 

Charles: Comrades these are my parents and sisters, 
^all salute) 

Mr. W. : Young men I am glad to meet you, and as I 
look at you. and think of the thousads like you that will respond 
to the call of the President I feel assured that our nation is safe 
and that a disolution of this Union can never be. 

Mrs. W. : Young men, allow me to say a word to you, 
I know you will be true to your country, be true to yourselves 
also av»id as mu^'h as possible all the evils that may surround 
you, be men and God will give you victory (after Mrs. W. stops 
J^peaking, soldiers all start to leave stage) (enter at same time 
Quartette. 

Charles: Hold on men, perhaps the visitors will give 
us a song(ali call out song. Quartette then takes stage and sings 
one or two selections of Patriotic songs) (after song all soldiers 
except Charles exit, the quartette takes leav^ of Charles cheer- 
luUy and retire. 

Mr.W. : Ciiarles you have joined a noble company and 
1 have no doubt when called upon for duty, that victory will 
follow in its path (lays hand on Charles arm) but what mean 
those chivrons on your arms? I thought you enlisted as a private. 



—7— 

Charles: I duJ, but am now on the line of promotion, 
and hope to rise higher ere I return. 

Mr. W. : Be true and loyal my son, and though you 
rise no higher m the ranks you may come out a hero, but we 
must now leave you and return to our home. Fare .veil Charles 
and may God bless you, and bring you safely back to us, (let 
mother and sisters clasp hands with Charles and pass off stage 
with handkerchief to their eyes.)(Alice cymes on as others pass 
off, «;harles and her embrace and scene closes) (Carl comes on 
to hold stage.) 

Carl : I shoost tells you dot olt mans speech makes me 
so goot feel dat I dinks 1 could go by der South und slock all 
tem repels py mineself, for making such droubles, und ven I 
haf such a gal as dat uder feller to ,leaf pehint me, den I fights 
like der olt poy ; I shoost tells you dot young man cooms oud a 
hero. (as Carl retires stage opens on 3rd, Capt. J. seated, Order- 
ly enters with orders, Capt. reads to himself and says.) 

Capt. J. : I have ordes which takes us to the front and 
probably into active service(turns toward wmg and calls Order- 
ly Sargent) order|Co. to fall in. (as Capt. passes off stage open up 
4th flat, Solaiers in line. 

Capt. J.: Attention Company A. Present Arms! 
(enter Colonel Pierce, salutes.) 

Col. P. Shoulder Arms! Soldiers we are about to 
march to the scene of conflict, the sound of which now falls up- 
on our ears(here should be personation of Rifles in distance) 
The country is watching us; loved ones at home are waiting for 
a report from us, let us send back to them the message that our 
Keffiment under tire for the first time, achieved honors, worthy 
of veterans. Let every man stand to his post and do his duty 
and a Nation shall boast of our achievements. Officers take 
charge of your companies and set them examples worthy of 
imitation. (Capt. marches Co off one side stage, )Rebel Soldiers 
come on slowly on opposite side, a volley is fired from Union 
line in wings, 2 or 3 Rebels fall, then the two sic*es come on 
firing, advancing and retreating, just as order charge Capt. J. 
and Lieut. S. and one or two others fall on stage near center, 
the two forces then lock bayonets in upper charge, the 4th flat 
is opened showing Goddess of Liberty with drawn sword- 
Tableaux— Red fire. 

ACT SECOND. 

Scene 1st— (Open on 3rd flat) (Company discovered at 



stack arms, Charles spoakinj^-.) 

Charles: iJomrades this is the close of an eventful day, 
our valiant Capt. has fallen, our Lieutenants are disabled and 
all our non-commisioned officers above me are either killed or 
disabled, and now that the command of the company falls on 
me, what is your will? for I feel incompetent for the position, 
perhaps an officer from some other company can be supplied us. 

Carl: Poys we wants no mens from udder -companies 
to poss us und I wat you call it? moof dot we makeSarg't. Wads- 
worth our captian unt dot we done all tings VvOt he told us. 

Pat : Its mesilf as wouIm sicond that motion, an I see 
by the looks of all the Bys that the same i" the wishes of thim 
all, an me hero, beggin pardon I mane Lieu't, we will follow 
him, wherever ye lade us, an' sorry the fate of any 
spalpeen that attimpts to harm ye, aither be word 
or dade. Comrades all in favor of the motion say Aye. 
Ah it is as I thought, as they say in Parla;aint,it is unannymous. 

Chailes: Comrades jou inspire me with new zeal, 1 
thank you and will do all in my power to merit the honor be- 
stowed on me, but my heart is Sad on account of the great 
sacrifice we have been called on to make to- day [enter Col. P.] 
[all salute] 

Col. P. : Sargeant Wadsworth, the command of Co. A. 
will devolve on you until further orders and I desire all you 
men to render the same obedience to him that you did to your 
lamented Captain. 

Pat. : Sure yer honor we just voted him our Capt. 

Col. P.: He will hold that position until further orders 
[as Col. starts out.) 

Pat. : Sure an may the orderd have a long way to 
thravel, and be lost by the way, or sunk in the say. [scene closes] 
[Chas. comes on front, seats himself smoking cigar, after a 
minute or two Orderly enters, salutes and hands Charles order 
and retires. 

[Charles reads) Sargeant Wadswortl, the General 
commanding has called on me to select some meritorious 
non-commisioned officer to take charge of a company of reliable 
men to report at once for active service, and has sent 
to me a commission of 1st. Lieutenant with blank 
space to insert such rames as I shall select, I ask of 
you to accept this honor, I do this from a sense of duty to you 
and to our country, please report at once and let me know your 
decision. 



— 9— 

Charles : I will report at once and learn the nature of 
this order, (exit) 

Scene 3rd — (open on 3rd flat) (Col. P. discovered seated) 
(enter Charles saluting.) 

Col. P, Be seated Sergeant, what is your decision in 
the matter refered to in my letter to you? 

Charles : Colonel, you confer on me an honor I will be 
pr^ud of, and place me under a debt of gratitude I fear I will 
never be able to repay. 

Col. P. It is easily repaid by devotion to your country. 

Charles: thanks Col. I accept and am ready to repor 
for duty. But Col. will I be permitted to retain my present com- 
pany? 

Col. P. You have permission to select 50 men from my 
Regt. who will not fear to face any danger, such is the General's 
order, prepare your company and report to me. (Charles salutes 
and starts to retire.) 

Col. P. Hold Sarg't. I will insert your name in this com- 
mission (writes and hands to Chas.) there Lieut, go and select 
your company (exit Charles.) 

Col. P. That man is destined to become a "Hero" Iknow 
not what duty he may be called upon to perform, but be it what 
it may, it will be done well. (Col. holds stage writing; Chas. 
is heard in 4th flat. 

Halt, front , right dress, front, order arms, parade, rest ! 
(Chas. enteis Col's, room.) 

Chas. Colonel, my company is full and here are their 
names for your approval. 

Col. P. A noble band. I will now read the general's 
orders. (Reads.) "As soon as this company is organized they 
will proceed at once to Kansas City, where they will be fuliy 
equipped and mounted. Owing to the condition of affairs at 
that place, it has become necessary to put the place under mar- 
tial law. Send only true men who will deal with treason as its 
merits demand. Further orders will await them there. Report 
by wire the name of the officer you have selected. Yours, J. C. 
Fremont." I have already sent your name to the General. 
Lieutenant, bring your company to my quarters. 

Chas. My company is already at your door. I will go and 
prepa'-e them. (Exit Chas. Colonel calls orderly to remove 
furniture. As Cnas. says "present arms," open screens on 4th 
flat.) 



10— 

Col. p. Shoulder arms! Soldiers, j-ou are a favored 
company and you have for a leader one who will be all you can 
desire. Be true soldiers, obedient to his commands, and honor 
will follow all your movements. Farewell, to all of you, and 1 
shall be disappointed if I do not hear good reports from you. 
(All respond, farewell. Col. takes Lieut's, hnnd and company 
march around them while tableau light burns.) Tableau. 

ACT THIRD. 



Scene 1st. — (Opens on 1st flat. When curtain rises 
Lieut, is discovered, seated, smoking cigar. Enter Pat. 

Pat. (Salutes.) Faix, Captain, — beg yer pardin, I 
mane Lieutinant — we have just received the flnest lot of horses 
that iver carried a soldier, and I have selected thefoinest of thim 
all for yerself. 

Chas. What is he like, Pat; what color, and is he nice 
and slick? 

Pat. Yes, yer Honor; he is so fat that ye can count all 
his ribs, and so smooth that his hair all stands the other way. 
Oh, but he's a beauty, and if thim bloomin' thraitors want to 
have a look at men that are thrue to the Union jist let them come 
over and — (enter orderly; salutes and hands Lieut, a message.) 
Chas. reads: '-Headquarters, Dept. Missouri. Lieut 
Wadsworth ; Information has reached me by way of a rebel de- 
serter that Col. White, of Lexington, is holding secret corres- 
pondence with rebel officers for the purpose of arranging for the 
surrender of his post, and that already the enemy is marching 
no-ainst him. Ride with all speed w^ith your couipany, and if 
such is the case circumvent them if you can. Let me know as 
early i:s possible whether the rumor is true, as this man, claim- 
ing to be a deserter, may only be a spy. But should his report be 
true, and the evidence warrants, airest the Colonel regardless of 
rank, and send him under guard to me. J, C. Fremont." 

Scene 2nd. — Open on third Hat; Col. White seated; 
soldiers retire to 4th flat and lie down; Lieut, enters Col. W.'s 
quarters. 

Chas. I am Lieut. Wadsworth, provost marshal of Kan- 
sas City. Do I address Col. White? 

Col. W. I am Col. White; be seated Lietenant. 

Chas. Thanks, Colonel, (takes seat) I heai that the 
enemy is marching against you, and I have been ordered to your 
assistance. I bring a full company and report for duty. 

Col. W. Lieutenant, I am ever so grateful to you, but I 
assure you that the rumor is false. I have videttes out for twen- 



— II — 

ty miles and hear from tbem every day^ and I assure you there 
was no sig;ns of an enemy at the last report. Lieutenant, send 
your men to the Barracks for the night and sleep soundly for no 
danger threatens. But liovv did this rumor reach you? 

Chas. Gen. Fremont has just picked up a man claiming 
to be a rebel deserter and it was from him the rumor started. 

Col. W. He must be a spy, and trying to play a part. 

Chas. Probably, so I will now retire. (Exit Chas.) 

Col. W. (alone.) Zounds! How have' my movements 
been betrayed? It must be as he said by some deserter; but I 
can now surrender with more honor, as I will now have one 
more company to surrender as prisoners of war: I wiU then re- 
ceive my commission as General in the tJonfederate Army, and 
will then teach General Fremont that I am not to be trifled with. 
I must send a courier to their lines at once, as the blow must be 
struck to-night. 

Scene 3rd.— Opens on 4th flat; soldiers sleeping; firing 
heard. Col. VV. steps on stage waving white fla^. Chas. and 
men spring up and find rebels on both sides]. 

Chas- Comrades, we are betrayed! See that arch-trait- 
lOr! Vile traitor, this is your last act on earth; die traitor doo- 
that thou art, and no longer disgrace the uniform you weai\ 
(fires; Col. falls.) Soldiers, follow me. Forward! (Fight — 
Tableau. 



-ACT FOURTH, 



Scene 1st — 1st and 2nd flat, Kansas City. Chas. and 
company. 

Chas* Comrades, I am proud of your valor and I con- 
gratulate you on your escape unharmed. We left at least twenty 
of the enemy on the field, that arch-traitor dead and lost not a 
man. 1 have dispatched a full account of the affair to the Gen- 
erel and have just received his answer. I will read it to you. 
(Reads.) "Headquarters, Department of Missouri; Lieutenant 
Wadsworth : Your account of the affair at Lexington has reach- 
ed me. and for the valor of yourself and men in cutting your way 
through the enemy Iherewith commission you Captain; and for 
your noble deed in shooting the traitor. Colonel White. I give 
you the noble company who followed you, with full permission 
to go anywhere in this department, and do what you deem best 
for the interests of our Government. I hereby commission your 
command, the First Missouri Independent Kan^ers. Keep me 
posted on all of your movements and if y«u need ai,sistance, your 
call shall be promptly responded to. By order of General J. c 



— 12 — 

Fremont." Comrades, we are now commissioned "Free Ran- 
gers," Let us strike deadly blows at secession and teach South- 
ern chivalry that treason will not be tolerated. And again, I 
congratulate you. 

Pat. Lieutenant — beg pardon, I mean Captain — I think 
its yerself as needs the congratulations, for divil the mother,s 
son of us would have rnn through that shate of fire 
and lead, had we not seen our gallant, leader at the front. 
An' who but yerael could have given that ould thraitor sich a 
fair thrial an' executed the sentence wid such cool- 
ness and dispatch. Sure the mane rascal wanted us all en- 
trapped entirely. But hoora ! boys, we can now have a chance 
to look after them spalpeen bushwhackers ph^at thried to shoot 
a poor ould Irish gintleman like me, when he was only going 
over to the ould sthill house to see if he could find a drap of 
something to trate his captain wid. 

Chas. Yes, Pat, we will look after them and try to 
teach them better manners; but you may all retire until roll 
call. (Close scene. Biddy holds stage with letter from Pat. 

Biddy. (Reads,) In camp near Kansas City, Jooly 62. 
Dear Biddy : Having a little p'ace and quietness, I sit down 
to let ye know how we are getting along, indade we are not 
o-etting along atall, at all; we can get nothing to ate, (Biddy 
wipes" her eyes with her apron and says: "Poor Pat.") 
an, no wine to drink but whi5ky(poor Pat; I wish I could help 
iiim drink that) an' every thing is confusion and danger. Even 
as we sit down to ate we have to kape both hands armed. While 
I write this I hold a pistol in aich hand and a sword in the 
other; in fact, there is such goings on here that everything is at 
a standstill. Only last week we got word that the Rebs. were 
advancing under Frinch colors; but they had no colors at all. 
only a flag. They had no guns except cutlashes and swords, and 
as we had plenty of muskets we soon put them all to the sword. 
Kot a soul of them escaped except a few who were drownded in 
a pond nearby, and shortly, nothing could be heard but silence. 
I should have answered your letter a fortnight ago only I jist 
resaved it till to-dav. I have only time to add that I am in great 
haste. Pat Donovan.— P. S. If this don't reach you, write and 
let me know. Pat" Well, I must go and write the poor mon a 
letther. (Exit Biddy. Scece 2.— Soldiers in line. 

Chas. Seargeant call the roll, (Some one calls : Capt. 



—13— 

Wadswortb, Seargt. Eagen, Seargt. Donovan. (Seargt. Donovan 
— no answer. 

Chas. Perhaps he has gone over to the old still house. 
He had better be careful, for bushwhackers are plentiful about 
here. (Commotion outside in wings; Pat is heard. 

Pat. Get along here ye bloody spalpeens, and perhaps 
the Captain will give ye all a furlough for a thrip to purgatory. 
(Enters with three men, tied, their guns on his shoulder. 

Chas. Hello, Pat, what have you there? 

Pat. Three bloody bushwhackers, yer Honor. Arnn't 
they beauties? 

Chas. Pat, tell vis how you have them here. Surely 
three such fellow* as thev, ought to get away with you. 

Pat. Sure, Captain, 'an I surrounded them an' took ad- 
vantage of ihem, and before they knew it I had them tied, hand 
and fut. 

Chas. Pat, tell us how you managed it. 

Pat. Well, then. It's meself that was goin* over to the 
ould sthill house when be chance I diskivered these three rascals 
comin' along the road. I said to meself, "Now, Pat, let's see 
phat ye can do," So I jumped into the bush and when they got 
jist forninst me, 1 j-.imped out wid me gun an' I says : "Lie down 
yer arrums or fifty bullets will go t'rou'gh your hearts this min- 
ute." They lay down their guns and I then called out. "B'ys 
kape them covered till I tie 'em," an' I then went up to them an' 
tied them as ye see, an' then took up their guns, an' me own and 
made them come along to see me Captain. 

Chas. Pat, you are a noble fellow, and I will reccom- 
inend you for promotion. 

Pat. Thanks, Captain, jist recommend me for General, 
or Pave me Pat Donovan, as I am. 

Chas. All right, Pat. Take charge of your prisoners 
and I will see them later, (Pat picks up giins and calls to brison- 
crs. 

Fat. Come on je spalpeens. (Exit Pat and prisoners. 
Scene closes; some good solo, or lightning drill to hold stage. 
Scene 3rd. — Full Stage, soldiers resting at ease. Enter orderly 
with message, salutes, hands Captain message and retires* 

Chas. (Reads.) "Captain Wadsworth: lam exceed- 
ingly sorry to have to announce to you an orde" from the War 
Department at Washington, but although I have tried every 



--I 4— 

meais to have the order revoked, it still stands, and as a soldier 
it is my duty to obey. Yourself and conipany have been order- 
ed, through me, to report at an early day to General Stoneman, 
in the Army of the Potomac. And now thanking you for the 
great service you have rendered this department, I ask of you 
to obey this order and report to General Stoneman with your 
company at an early a day as possible. Yours truly, J. C. 
Fremont." 

Chas. Soldiers, we have been ordered to leave this de- 
partment and report to General Stone nan, in the Armj of the 
Potomac, but before leaving this department we will parole the 
bushwhacker that we arrested for the fourth time this morning. 
Sargeant Donovan, bring John Thomas out. (Exit Pat and 
brings prisoner in with hands tied; Chas reads death sentence; 
prisoner standing. 

Chas. (Reads.) John Thomas, for the fourth time y.ou 
have been arrested. Twice we paroled you on your honor and 
once on your oath, and yet this morning you was caught in the 
act of assassinating one of our number. Yet, Instead of resort- 
ing to Lynch law, you have been given a fair and impartial trial, 
and have been found guilty. Since then, you have boasted of the 
number of Union men you have killed. You have been sentenced 
to death and I have just received from the General the contirma- 
ation of the sentence; and while it is a painful duty, it is neces- 
sary that bushwhackers should know that their work \« cold 
blooded murder, and that no mercy hereafter wil be extended 
to them. (Have prisoner kneel; 6 of the company, as tjlaptain 
motions, steps to left side of stage in front of prisoner and the 
order is given by Chas. At command, ''aim,'* 4th Hat opens. 

Chas. Ready, aim, fire! (Tableau — red light. God- 
dess of libery omitted in this tableau, 

ACT FIFTH. 

On Potomac. 

Scene 1st,— Open on third flat ; Gen. Stoneman seated; 
enter Chas. 

Chas. I am Captain Wadsworth. * have I the honor of 
addressing General Stoneman? 

Gen, S. I am General Stoneman, and I flatter myself 



—15-- : 

that I have the honor of welcoming the Hero of Lexinojton, 
Welcome, Captain, welcome. 

Chas. General, I was at Lexington, b- t > I my 

duty as a soldier. I am o(-dered to report to you foi uuty, and I 
am proud to say that I bring lif ty as brave men as ever laced a foe. 

Gen. 8. Captain. I am aware of that, and it was only 
after the moJU extreme efforts that I got you transferred to my 
command. I again extend you welcome, (gives hand) and shall, 
so far as in my power, give you the same freedom you have been 
accustomed to and use you principally as scouts. 

Chas. Tbanks, General. I shall await with pleasure 
any orders from yOvi. (Close screen in front of iStoneman, leav- 
ing 1st and 2nd flats open. Enter Chas. and company. As Chas. 
seals himserf let company march on front of stage. Silent drill — 
front to audience; stand at ''shoulder arms;" with left hand 
raise caps at same time; replace them and go through manual of 
arms: Present, shoulder, order, shoulder, in single file, right 
face, file right, marcb, file right. Come in front of captain, and 
pass around him; countermarch in rear of him, halt, front, 
order arms, parada rest. All this should be done in perfect 
order and in silence. — Enter orderly with orders. 

Chas. (Reads.) "Captain Wadsworth; I desire to 
see you at once. Stoneman." 

Chas. I will go at once. "Attention, company I Shoul- 
der arms! Right face! (single file) Countermarch by file left, 
march! (Pass into wings and halts. Stage opens on Gen. S. 
Enter Chas; salutes 

Chas . General, I am at your service. 

Gen. S. I have service for you that is of a very danger- 
ous nature but I know I can rely on you, and will not insult 
your past history by asking if you will undertake it. 

Chas. War in any form is full of danger. General, 
please make known your wishes. 

Gen. S. You will take your company and go to the 
Quartermaster who will supply you with Rebel uniforms,(any 
old clothes, with slouch hats will do)put them on and pass 
through our lines by the way of Culpepper. Go as near Rich- 
mond as possible, learn the roads, the position of the 
enemy, s works as near as possible and then report to mel 
thus, opening up the way for a gene ral cavalry m ov^ment. 
rely on your own strategy to accomplish your mission and bring 



— 16— 

you safely back. 

Chas. General, when shall I start? 

Gen. S. At dusk to-night arrangements will be made 
with the out-posts to pass you through our lines. 

Chas. Thank you, General; You may expect a good 
report. (Close scene back of lirst flat. If person can be found 
for lightning drill, let him hold stage; if not, have camp scene. 
Scene 2nd.— Turn down lights. Soldiers pass around quickly to 
4th flat at first bell; at second bell open full stage. Soldiers in 
4th flat; Chas speaking: 

Chas. Soldiers, our raid has been a successful one, but 
again, as at Lexington, we are surrounded by the enemy and our 
only hope is, as there, to cut our way througu. Kemember we 
are in Rebel uniform and can expect no mercy from them. Let 
us trust in God and our arms and we will escape. We must 
leave our horses and make our way on foot. Keep well together 
and follow me. (Pistol fight on part of Union, pistols or muskets 
on part of Rebels, as red light starts, Chas. falls, Carl runs to 
him; Rebel attempts to stab Carl with sword. Chas. shoots Rebel. 
Curtain falls. 

ACT SIXTH. 

Scene 1st.— Full stage. Hospital scene. Cot on third flat; 
Chas. lying on cot, Alice seated by his side. 

Alice. Chas, how do you feel to-day? 

Chas. Alice, I think I am getting stronger, but it is hard 
to lie here when I ought to be with my men. 

Alice. Charles, I heaid from home to-day and they are 
anxiously waiting for you to recover sufiiciently to come home 
on furlough. But here comes the General to see you. (Alice 
rises and steps back to a seat near the wings. Enter Gen. S. 

Gen. S. Capt. Wadsworth, (extending hand) I am glad 
to meet you ao;ain. The Surgeon informed me that you was fast 
recovering and gave me permission to call on you. I must con- 
gratulate you on the noble achievements of yourself and men in 
your late raid, although I regret your misfortune. Your journal 
was so complete that it enabled my corps to ride right into the 
fortifications of Richmond and to disable a large number of their 
guns. It was hazardous on your part and it seems miraculous 
that you escaped with all your men. (Notices Alice.) But 
who have we here? Her gentle nursing is undoubtedly 



—17— 

the cause of yonr rapid recovery and I would thank the lady 
for what she has done for you. 

Chas. (calls) Alice! (Alice steps to his side.) Gener- 
al Stoneman, allow me to present Miss All ice Eandall, my affi- 
anced bride, and as one who loves her country with all the de- 
votion of a soldier. 

Gen. S. Miss Eandall, (takes her hand) allow me to 
coni^ratulate you, as being the affianced bride of one of the most 
daring and heroic men in the United States Array, and to thank 
you for your gentle nursing. 

Alice. Thanks, General, I believe Charles is all you 
claim for him, basing my opinion on history, but undoubtedly 
many others would have done as much under similar circumstan- 
ces. 

Chas. Let flattery cease, and fell me, General, how 
soon will I be able to report for duty? 

Gen. S. Just as soon, Captain, as you are able to enter 
upon the duties of home life. The war is about over and you 
will not be called upon as a soldier during the few days Rebel- 
lion has to live. Your achievements in and about Lexington 
have been eclipsed by your later ones, in and about Richmond, 
and again, ere leaving you, I extend my thanks and pronounce 
you a "Hero," (Exit Gen. 8. 

Alice. Oh, Charles! I am so glad you can return home 
with me. So long as there was a probability of your services 
being needed by our country, I w'as willing to risk all, but from 
what the General says, friends "will soon be all united. 

Chas. Xot all, Alice. 

Alice. No, alas, not all, (Scene closes, Pat comes on 
from one side, Carl from the other; Meet. 

Pat. Carl, I am giad to meei ye. I have some fine 
news for ye. I found the ould gal and the childer all vvell an' 
they have been havin' splendid times since I've been gone, and I 
was jist afther hearing that our Captain was home an' wa« 
goin' to call on him. 

Carl. Shoost vat I coom dis vay for, so coom on, unt ve 
vill go by der Gaptain unt see how he vas. (As they leave, stage 
opens on home again. Scene. 2nd— Mr. W., Mrs. W. and two 



— 18— 

girls, 

Mrs. W. I think we should hear how Charles is tO'day. 
It has been several days since Alice wrote he was fast recovering;. 

Mr. W. i^oble girl. It is to her kind care we owe the 
life of our darling boy. 

Chas. (Speaking at the door while Alice enters) Yes, 
kind parents, only for oer gentle care, I should not be here; or so 
soon, at least, (Salutations.) 

Mrs. W. Thank God ! the was is ended and Charles is 
restored to us. 

Chas. Rather let us thank him for the restoration of 
the Union, for that is what we risked our lives for. 

Mrs. W. Yes, let us thank Hnii for the restoration of the 
Union and of friends. But while we rejoice let us also sympa- 
thize with those whose friends lie in a distant state, and ever 
stand ready to relieve the maimed heroes of our country, and the 
widows and orphans of our fallen ones. (Door epens, enter 
Carl. 

Carl. Hoora! How you all vas. I yoost coom py to 
see der Gabtain unt to tank him for de vay he made dot Repel 
led loose from me, ven he vas yoost aboud to stick his pig sheese 
knife in me. Mine Gott! I fought I vas a goner, ven pop goes 
der Gaptain's pistol und off rolls der Repel. 

Chas. That's all right, Carl. (Enter Pat.) 

Pat. Sure, an' it's mesels wud niver have seen Biddy 
an' the childer again only for me Captain. 

Chas. Say no more about it, boys, but stay and see my 
happiness made complete. Carl, you go and bring a Chaplain 
Pat. you go for Biddy; and you and I Alice, will go and prepare 
ourselves for the happy event. 

Carl. Yoost you folks sing somedings, und I go py der 
chaplain's. (Exit Pat, Carl, Chas. and Alice. Quartette holds 
stage with two selections. At 1st bell quartette step two on each 
side of stage; at 2nd bell screen opens full sta^-e. Wedding 
scene; tableau, "Hopes Realized"— Goddess of Liberty holding 
wreath over Charles' head. As red fire is lighted, Carl steps for- 
waxl, pointing at Charles and says "Der Hero of Lexington." 



CAST OF CHARACTERS. 

m. Wadsworth An Old Man. 

Mrs. Wadsworth An Old Lady. 

Emma and Celia Wadsworth The Daughters. 

CHAKLIE WADSWORTH The Hero. 

ALICE RANDALL The Heroine. 

Colonel Pierce A War Officer. 

Captain Judd ditto. 

Lieutenant Smith ditto. 

Pat Donovan An Irishman. 

Carl Schmitt A Dutchman. 

Biddy Donovan An Irish Lady. 

General Stoneman Cavalry Commander. 

Colonel White A Traitor. 



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